‘Referees are going after me because I’m playing in their home and they’re hurt’
MARC Cucurella believes English crowds and referees are out to get him – after his exploits at Euro 2024.
The Chelsea full-back helped Spain to a 2-1 win over Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions in July’s Euros final.
Cucurella proved to be a divisive figure in the Spanish camp during their run to glory.
German fans roundly booed him throughout the knockout stages after a penalty incident in the quarter-finals.
The 26-year-old began the Euros being branded Spain’s “weak link” by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.
But he had the last laugh, being named in Uefa’s Team of the Tournament and assisting Mikel Oyarzabal’s dramatic late winner against England.
Video of Cucurella singing during Spain’s raucous celebrations quickly went viral after taming the Three Lions.
He stood on top of a table, serenading his teammates with a fan song about drinking beer and besting Man City striker Erling Haaland.
Since returning for the new season, Cucurella has made just seven appearances for Chelsea.
He has picked up five yellow cards in the process – as well as receiving plenty of lip from the terraces – leaving him convinced the English game holds a grudge.
The Blues star told Spanish outlet COPE: “You have more impact – people know you more [after winning the Euros].
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
“Being champion of the Euros is historic and you will always take it with you.
“I’ve already been suspended for five yellow cards and I’ve committed [only a] few fouls.
“They’re going after me a bit. They jump on me quickly, especially when we play away.
“It’s normal, we won, I was involved in the goal, I’m playing at their home.
“It’s normal, they’re hurt.”
Cucurella began his career at Barcelona, but failed to break into the first team at the Nou Camp.
He forged a career at Getafe before moving to the Premier League in 2021 to join Brighton.
His lightning-fast counter-attacks and flowing locks made him an instant cult hero on the South Coast.
And the Seagulls made a huge profit on the full-back as Chelsea swooped with a £55million offer in August 2022.
Cucurella picked up his most recent booking in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
He will now miss the Blues Premier League clash with Liverpool on October 20.